Sophie Stalker
Christchurch,New Zealand
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in educational support and counselling, particularly at St Bede’s College. Proficient in motivational interviewing and communication, driving student growth and resilience. Demonstrates strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while maintaining high-quality work standards.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Tutor
Success Tutoring
07.2025 - Current
- Deliver English and Mathematics tutoring to students across a range of ages and learning abilities.
Student Counsellor
St Bede’s College
02.2025 - Current
- Provide one-on-one counselling to students using a person-centred approach, addressing academic stress, emotional wellbeing, and challenging home environments.
Sales Assistant / Keyholder
Silvermoon Riverside
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Provided customer service in a high-traffic jewellery store.
- Handled opening and closing procedures, and supported daily retail operations.
Support Worker
Stepping Stone Trust
04.2024 - 02.2025
- Supported residents living with mental illness in social housing.
- Assisted with daily living tasks, self-care, and wellbeing.
- Completed Medical Competency and First Aid training.
Motivational Interviewing Intern
He Waka Tapu
07.2024 - 11.2024
- Worked one-on-one with clients experiencing addiction, applying motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to support behaviour change.
Sales Assistant
The Just Group
11.2021 - 04.2024
- Progressed into a senior role with responsibility for store opening and closing, customer service, visual merchandising, and stock management.
Content Writer Intern
Howard League
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Wrote and published articles on penal reform advocacy and assisted case managers during prison visits.
Gymnastics Coach (Part-Time)
03.2018 - 12.2020
- Coached preschool and pre-competitive athletes, focusing on confidence, strength, and competition preparation.
Casual Content Writer
Cellar Door NZ
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Created written content for a vineyard listing website and associated blog.
Education
Master Degree - pluralistic counselling theory and practice
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ (Distance)12-2026
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences - Counselling
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ11.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & English
University of Canterbury
Christchurch 12.2023
Cashmere High School - NCEA Excellence Endorsement Levels 1–3; NCEA Scholarships in Media Studies, English, and Physical Education
Cashmere High School
Christchurch, NZ12.2020
Skills
- Counselling and communication skills
- Motivational interviewing
- Substance abuse awareness
- Client advocacy
- Effective communication
- Educational tutoring
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Research and critical analysis
- Writing and editing
- Time management and organisation
- Adaptability and client-centred practice
- Emotional support
- Organisation and preparation
- Rapport building
- Goal setting
- Educational feedback
- Empathy and patience
- Learning techniques
- Growth mindset
- Critical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Reading comprehension
- Analytical thinking
- Calm demeanor
- Adaptable nature
- Social-emotional learning
- Group tutoring
- Relationship building
- Progress reporting
- Punctual
- Academic advising
- Resource gathering
- Study skills
- Special needs support
- Homework assistance
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading and writing
- Aerial hoop
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Skiing
Volunteer Experience
- Youth Mentor, Presbyterian Support, Family Works, 03/01/24, 01/01/2026, Mentor a young person to support personal development, resilience, and navigation of life challenges.
- Blogger, Getting to the Other Side of Twenty-One, 10/01/23, Present, Publish weekly articles focused on youth mental health advocacy., https://sophiesierra.substack.com
- Social Media Executive, UC Modern Feminist Society, 11/01/21, 11/01/22, Created and scheduled weekly Facebook and Instagram content, including book recommendations and event promotion.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Tutor
Success Tutoring
07.2025 - Current
Student Counsellor
St Bede’s College
02.2025 - Current
Sales Assistant / Keyholder
Silvermoon Riverside
10.2024 - 09.2025
Motivational Interviewing Intern
He Waka Tapu
07.2024 - 11.2024
Support Worker
Stepping Stone Trust
04.2024 - 02.2025
Content Writer Intern
Howard League
11.2022 - 02.2023
Sales Assistant
The Just Group
11.2021 - 04.2024
Casual Content Writer
Cellar Door NZ
11.2019 - 02.2020
Gymnastics Coach (Part-Time)
03.2018 - 12.2020
Master Degree - pluralistic counselling theory and practice
Massey University
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences - Counselling
University of Canterbury
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & English
University of Canterbury
Cashmere High School - NCEA Excellence Endorsement Levels 1–3; NCEA Scholarships in Media Studies, English, and Physical Education
Cashmere High School